Trophy with sauce

Trofie with delicious onion and cherry tomato sauce

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe that will delight your taste buds, you've come to the right place. This pasta recipe, with a rich and aromatic sauce, combines the simplest ingredients to create a special meal. Handmade trofie pasta, made from durum wheat, is perfect for cooking directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and transforming into a true delight.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 5 small onions
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Kapia pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon fig balsamic cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (or to taste)
- 1 jar of cherry tomatoes with basil and garlic
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- 250 g trofie (twisted durum wheat pasta)
- Chopped green onion tops
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onions. Wash them well and slice them thinly. It is essential that the onion is cut evenly to cook uniformly and caramelize beautifully.

2. Sautéing the onions: In a large wok (or deep pan), add the olive oil and heat it gently. Add the sliced onion and sauté over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and starts to take on a golden hue. This process will enhance the natural sweetness of the onion.

3. Adding the spices: Once the onion is sautéed, add salt, Kapia pepper paste, fig balsamic cream, dried basil, and chili paste. Mix all the ingredients well, allowing the flavors to combine. The onion will absorb the other flavors, becoming a delicious and rich sauce.

4. Finishing the sauce: Pour in a cup of water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You can use water or vegetable broth for added flavor.

5. Cooking the pasta: After the sauce has simmered, add another cup of water and bring everything to a boil. Add the trofie pasta directly into the sauce, following the cooking time indicated on the package (usually between 8-12 minutes). This step will allow the pasta to absorb the sauce's flavors, turning them into a delicacy.

6. Finalizing the dish: Once the pasta is cooked, add the cherry tomatoes from the jar and the chopped green onion tops. Taste the sauce and add salt if necessary. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon will add a surprising note and enhance the flavors.

7. Serving: Serve the trofie with sauce while it’s hot, to enjoy their perfect texture and enticing flavors. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan if you desire an extra touch of flavor.

Practical tips:

- Ingredients: Use fresh, quality onions for the best results. Trofie pasta is ideal, but you can also experiment with other short pasta types, such as penne or fusilli.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the sauce to enrich the dish. Also, if you love cheese, add some crumbled feta or mozzarella.
- Recommended drinks: This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or with a relaxing herbal tea.

Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving, making it a healthy and balanced option due to the vegetables and whole pasta. Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while cherry tomatoes provide a healthy dose of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can substitute the pasta with a gluten-free version, following the same preparation instructions.
2. What can I do if I don’t have fig balsamic cream? You can use regular balsamic vinegar, but the taste will be slightly different. You can add a tablespoon of sugar to add sweetness.
3. How can I store leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water to rejuvenate the sauce.

Personal notes: This recipe is one of my favorites because there is always the possibility to modify the ingredients based on the season or what I have in the pantry. Every time I prepare it, I remember the moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, where every meal becomes a celebration of flavors and simple joys. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 5 small onions, 4 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon Kapia paste, 1 tablespoon fig balsamic cream, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper paste, 1 jar cherry tomatoes with basil and garlic, a pinch of powdered cinnamon, 250 g trofie (twisted pasta made from durum wheat), green onion tops, salt

 Tags:  trophy with sauce paste